Twisp of Fate

We just returned home last night from a 5-day trip to the coast and down to Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR.  We had a great time visiting with friends, but as always, are glad to be home in the valley again.

In Seattle, we attended a 60th-birthday party with some “old” friends.  Happy Birthday, Ivey!

Then down to Vancouver and Portland on Monday for 2 nights.  We stayed with our friends of 35-odd years who own The Real Mother Goose Gallery in Portland, a gallery of fine American craft.  Rick brought down the blanket chest that he made recently, to put on consignment, and we picked up the bed that he made in September 2007 for his show at the Confluence Gallery in Twisp.  You had your chance, John Q. Public… now it’s mine!

We came home yesterday via the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.  It was a cool and somewhat cloudy day, but the brilliant spring greens, flowering trees, and views of the river were outstanding.

There are new wind machines in the hills above Maryhill State Park.  We could see them from a distance, but when climbing the steep and winding road from the river up to the flats south of Goldendale, you very suddenly find yourself right underneath them.  They are so huge and, I think, strangely beautiful:

Mt. Adams in the distance, near Goldendale:

We stopped for a late lunch at what has become a favorite “find” on this route – St. John’s Monastery, in the hills north of Goldendale and not too far south of Satus Pass.  This is a Greek Orthodox monastery (actually they are nuns) that supports itself with its bakery cafe and other items made by the sisters.  They make the most delicious gyros!